Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Each day, with the heat so early stealing the joy of being in the garden, my mind has turned to plans for the next season. I’m reading and re-reading gardening books like a woman needy and alone might read novels of romance and rescue.

When the rains return, I will plant my garden in a new design; I will plant with the idea of beauty as well as produce; I will try new seed varieties. I daydream.

When the rains return…

And I yearn for the beauty and bounty of the past.

I would grow squash just for their beauty.

An overview of years past

Raised bed last year

sweet potatoes mingle with the squash and basil goes to seed

How long, Lord? How long until the rain comes, until Your promises of Joel 2 is our reality.

I wondered who and why people in the scripture asked, “How long?” It’s a common question found in 25 books. God asks the question of us, and we ask of Him.

But surprisingly to me, God asks us, “How long?” as often as we ask Him.

How long will you refuse to humble yourself, to believe in Me in spite of the miracles I perform, to keep My commands? How long will you treat Me with contempt, will you waver between two opinions, will you turn My glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?

Jesus asks, “Unbelieving generation, how long will I stay with you?”

When Jeremiah asked God how long will the land lie parched, and the grass in every field be withered? …”

God answered, “If you have run with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses?” Jer. 12:4-6

In other words, “If you can’t trust me now, what are you going to do when things get worse?”

I don’t know if our weather, our economy, or our political chaos will worsen.

What I do know is that I must plant my heart deep in the response, “I trust You beyond my understanding, my Savior, my Redeemer, and my Provider.”

And I return to my books and my daydreams of taking care of my little plot of land better with more beauty and more produce.

She begins by elaborating on our uncertain times, from climate change or economic necessity, to health or time restraints. Then she moves quickly into the 33 Golden Rules of Gardening. These include support, experiment, and notice everything, giving us such inviting detail that every rule becomes a means to a satisfying experience.

The chapter, Labor and Exercise is about designing and organizing our gardening to encourage healthful exercise while at the same time minimizing total work, meaning unnecessary, inefficient, ‘unfun’ work, and the probability of injury.

Soil and Fertility offers not only the usual discussion about using legumes to fix
nitrogen in the soil, but times when that doesn’t make sense. She offers many alternatives and lists ways to avoid wasting fertility. One subtitle is On Not Buying, with help on evaluating exactly what you need.

When reading her descriptions of the right potato or squash or bean, you’re mouth is watering for those tastes. Did you know there are pop-beans not only popcorn?

This book gives beginning gardeners a strong foundation and seasoned gardeners will relish it for all the extras they will glean.

Friday, August 5, 2011

My volunteer watermelon vines produced wonderful fruit with a variety of different sizes. One was 29.8 lbs. I just call it a “30 pounder.”

Even this heat-loving plant didn’t produce as many melons as I would have expected. Since they volunteered from last year’s volunteers, I have no idea what kind they are. When I opened them I was disappointed at how thick the white rind was.

It would have been perfect if I wanted to make “Watermelon Rind Pickles.” I didn’t consider it with the first harvest. Now I might.:

Pickled Watermelon Rind

1 6-lb watermelon

6 c water

2 Tbs sea salt, divided

1 tsp pickling spice

3 1/3-inch slices fresh ginger

2 whole clove

2 whole allspice

1 3-inch cinnamon stick

1 1/4 c sugar

1 c white vinegar

Peel outer green layer from watermelon rind.

Cut rind into 1/2-inch pieces. Bring water and 5 tsp. salt to boil in large saucepan.

Return rind pieces and spice bag to room-temp bowl and pour boiled liquid over them

Chill at least 8 hours before serving.

Refrigerate up to 2 weeks.----from Joanne Cheshier

I’m chagrined to realize how I’ve evaluated this gift from God.

I did nothing to make them grow except identify the vine and not pull it up. I’ve gotten five watermelons staggered so that we can eat and share before the next one must be harvested. And I’m bemoaning the size of the rind?!

I think I need to re-read my Bible, especially the part about learning to be content in all circumstances. (Philippians 4:11)

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About Me

For 27 years I owned and managed The Closer Walk Christian Bookstore. During that time I hosted retreats, luncheons, and other events. In the last ten years I have been writing a little with some success. I've been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love and other periodicals including industry journals. I am available for speaking engagements.I bring stories filled with humor, encouragement and hope.See my web site: www.sheilascloserwalk.com I am happily married with four children and seven grandchildren.